MPRD in 2026: A maze of mineral policy
It is a cliché of effective industrial policy that developing an industry works best if there is “policy certainty”. It is also one of those clichés that becomes a cliché because…
SA coal exports may hit 75Mt supply ceiling, says Exxaro
SOUTH Africa’s coal industry may struggle to supply more than about 75 million tonnes a year to the Richards Bay export corridor even if Transnet restores rail capacity above…
SA power pricing shake-up set for public comment
SOUTH Africa is proposing its biggest overhaul of electricity pricing policy in almost two decades, with reforms designed to give commercial and industrial customers greater…
Merafe’s new power tariff ‘not a silver bullet’, warns Glencore
MERAFE Resources’ new 62c/kWh electricity tariff will help its ferrochrome business compete with Chinese producers, but it will not put the smelting business in a strong…
The furnaces that could relight SA’s industrial ambition
MENAR Group, an unlisted coal producer, says it can double mineral exports from its South African mines and projects and create 800 jobs through new ferromanganese production.…
Chrome ore proves more profitable than ferrochrome for Merafe
MERAFE Resources is a far more profitable chrome ore miner than producer of ferrochrome based on its interim trading statement published on the JSE Stock Exchange News Service.…
Mining tariff relief awaits new Eskom pricing policy
THE possible extension of electricity tariff discounts to sectors of the South African mining industry other than the ferrochrome producers will have to wait until after…
Tharisa sees price support despite weaker chrome
CHROME concentrate prices have softened in the wake of softer stainless steel demand, partly owing to the Middle East conflict, said Tharisa CEO Phoevos Pouroulis. He was…
Northam Platinum in new output record as chrome surges
NORTHAM Platinum lifted chrome production 17% in its 2026 financial year, partly owing to the ramp-up of its North West province operation, Eland Platinum. Crews were doubled at…
How long before miners call on Eskom for their rebates?
ESKOM will invite the attention of its mining clients in yet stronger terms if it agrees to cut its tariff for Transalloys, the manganese smelting business currently heading for…
Like Froneman, Sibanye’s Richard Stewart won’t take BS. Good
SIBANYE-Stillwater’s CEO Richard Stewart has rung in the changes in his short tenure at the group, pivoting the group’s focus firmly towards existing portfolio potential,…
Mining DG cool on DTIC’s forced mining beneficiation plan
IN a revealing exchange at the Junior Mining Indaba on Tuesday, reflecting inter-departmental tension over the idea of forced mining beneficiation, Jacob Mbele, the…
Chrome export levy resurfaces in new industrial strategy
CHROME ore export levies are squarely on the South African government’s agenda after earlier indicating they were “a blunt tool”. A target set down in the revised Industrial…
Afrimat is a victim of failed industrial policy in SA
AFRIMAT is one of those companies that is surviving despite the chaos of industrial policy. But how long can these companies remain afloat? Afrimat’s recently published full-year…
Nersa tariff saves jobs at Glencore ferrochrome smelters
AFTER months of uncertainty, the threat of job losses has been lifted from employees at the ferrochrome smelters of Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture. This was after South Africa’s…
Can Afrimat put its year from hell behind it?
AFRIMAT CEO Andries van Heerden is optimistic that the business will look significantly better by the end of the financial year Afrimat has just had its toughest year since 2008:…
Tharisa agrees fiscal rules with Zimbabwe for $545m project
THARISA has reached agreement with Zimbabwe on fiscal regulations for its proposed $545m Karo Platinum project, a critical step ahead of concluding its funding. “Agreement has…
Grindrod’s harbour expansion is steaming ahead
PORTS, logistics and rail specialist Grindrod has been gaining more steam in recent weeks. Just before the end of April the share touched a five-year high of R22.26, giving the…
Merafe’s Eskom deal: Government needs it more
THE Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture’s proposed 62c per kWh electricity tariff deal with Eskom, far below the standard tariff of around 234c per kWh, could determine whether its…
Ferrochrome: Eskom opts for less revenue than none at all
ESKOM has opted for less revenue from South Africa’s ferrochrome producers rather than no revenue at all. For a company that now generates more electricity than it can sell, that…